Diminutive Prince Boateng, brought a sigh of relief to the faces of supporters of King Faisal Babies, as he struck late to deny Hearts of Oak a long awaited win in their 1-1 drawn Glo-Premier League Day 15, match at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium, Kumasi.
The Phobians were on the verge of carrying the day until Boateng delivered that killer strike in the 89th minute to sink the visitors further down the log.
Embattled Hearts, experiencing a torrid season, commenced the match serious and attacked their opponents from all angles like the wounded lions that they are.
Having missed a couple of decent chances in the 24th and 26th minutes, the Phobians finally broke the deadlock in the 30th minute as Ivorian import, Robin Gnagne converted a spot-kick after speedster James Abban was brought down in the 18-yard box.
The goal was as a result of a well-rehearsed build-up from the Phobians; initiated at the left flank by kofi Abanga who shrugged off a challenge in the midfield, laid a decent pass to Abban who outpaced Faisal goalkeeper Ibrahim Iddrissu in the process. Iddrissu however brought down Abban in his box, resulting in a penalty.
Hearts should have increased the tally but were wasteful upfront as Ollenu Ashittey, and Abdul Rahman, squandered the opportunities presented them in the 41st and 43rd minutes, respectively.
Faisal, in the second half, stepped up their game and tried on many occasions to punch holes in the Phobian defence but the resolve of Hearts back line made up of Gnagne, Abubakar Moro and Sulley Nuru, prevented the home team from causing any harm in the early stages.
As the homers probed for the equalizer, their prayers were answered when Boateng, in a swift counter-attack unleashed about a 30-yarder shot to beat unexpectant Hearts’ goalkeeper, Philemon McCarthy, in the 89th minute to end the match.
The teeming Phobian supporters remained glued to their seats after the game having watched another close win slipped through their fingers.
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